Highland health chiefs have dropped Alzheimer Scotland as a day care provider in Wick and Thurso.
They have instead opted for local firm Laurandy to serve Wick, and their own day care service for Thurso.
The switch will take effect in May.
Laurandy is a long established service provider in Wick, caring for adults with dementia and other conditions.
It will run the Longberry Unit in Pulteney House, with staff transferring from Alzheimer Scotland.
Area manager for Caithness and Sutherland Michelle Johnstone said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of vulnerable people who would benefit from day services but who do not have dementia. Under the current arrangements, however, support is dementia specific.
“While the day service provided by Alzheimer Scotland offered excellent care, more flexible solutions are required and Laurandy has the expertise and capacity to support improved access in Wick.”
Laurandy Day Care manager Margaret Allan promised minimal disruption during the handover.
She said: “We’ll also be able to provide an opportunity to develop more outreach services for people not able to easily travel to the centre. During the transition process I’ll be visiting service users and staff.”
Alzheimer Scotland ran the contract for day care services in the Longberry Unit, Pulteney House in Wick and Clouthie Corner, Bayview House in Thurso, for more than 10 years.
Campbell Mair, head of operations for Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We’re working closely with NHS Highland and Laurandy to ensure a smooth a transition for service users.
“I’m pleased that our skilled staff will be able to continue to offer dementia support as part of Laurandy and NHS Highland’s more flexible approach to day care support and outreach.”
The health board said there would be no cost savings envisaged, although there “may be some going forward.”
The rationale was to improve and expand day care services in the county.
